The sections of Biostatistics of the Radboudumc and Statistical physics of the Radboud University are opening a PhD position in statistics. In this position, you will conduct research in the area of Bayesian federated analysis. This includes the development of statistical methodology and its application to medical data together with medical researchers. Are you the motivated and enthusiastic candidate with a background in mathematics/statistics we are looking for? We would like to get to know you!

The project is a continuation of an ongoing collaboration on Bayesian Federated Inference and Survival Analysis between the two sections.

In research into rare diseases only small data sets are typically available. When using such small data sets for prediction, the risk of overfitting in the models used is high. This limits severely the ability to infer statistically significant patterns in these data, patterns which might have suggested novel treatments. Pooling data from different institutions could alleviate the situation, but is in practice challenging due to privacy legislation and logistical problems.

Recently, methodology for Bayesian Federated Inference for multicenter data has been developed. The aim of this methodology is to construct from local inferences in separate centers what would have been inferred had the data sets been merged. The methodology leads to more effective use of existing patient data and finally in a better quantitative understanding of the diseases, and hence may speed up the development of new treatments.

You have a Master's degree in Mathematics (with a specialization in Statistics/Probability) or in Statistics. You possess the ability to thrive in a dynamic, interdisciplinary field and have a particular interest in medical applications.

Furthermore you have a strong fascination with statistical theory and methods, along with experience in statistical programming languages and tools (preferably in R). Additionally, good writing and communication skills in English are required.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:

• Upon commencement of employment, you will start at scale 10A, step 0 (€ 3.017 based on a full-time appointment). Over a maximum period of 4 years, you will progress to scale 10A, step 3 (€3.824 based on a full-time appointment). You will also receive an 8% vacation allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and, depending on the position, an allowance of 47% to 72% for working irregular hours.
• Plenty of opportunities to develop yourself. For example, you can follow various courses via our online learning environment. A lot of attention will also be paid to your wellbeing and vitality. For instance, you can take advantage of:
  
  • a 40% discount on gym membership at the Radboud Sports Center.
  • the Company Support Team and a personal coach if you experience a life-changing event.
  • a financially favorable option to work less through a generation scheme if you are approaching state retirement age.
  • support with achieving a good work-life balance at every stage of your life. This includes advice and training (from ‘Millennial Dilemmas’ to ‘Your Career After 57’), activities at our own mindfulness center, and informal caregiving consultations if you have any questions about combining your work and caregiving tasks at home.
• 168 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week. Want more vacation? You can buy additional vacation hours with your end-of-year bonus.
• 26 weeks of parental leave, of which 9 weeks are paid.
• Extra-favorable leave conditions. For example, our short-term caregiving leave is not 2 but 4 weeks per year and even 12 weeks per year for partner and child.
• Pension accrual with the ABP Pension Fund. Radboud university medical center pays 70% of the pension contribution.
• Discount on the supplementary packages of two collective health insurance policies and on ten other types of insurance, from home insurance to legal assistance.
• A travel allowance via our Employment Conditions Selection Model and a working-from-home allowance of €2,35 per day.

Radboudumc

The Research and Education group Biostatistics is part of the Science Department IQ Health at the Radboudumc. It has a strong track record in statistical methodology for clinical research, with a focus on innovative designs and analysis of clinical research for personalized medicine and rare disorders, prediction modeling and modeling for infectious diseases. It has extensive joint projects with medical and research departments within the Radboudumc and and the science faculty of the Radboud university, and is engaged in multiple national and international research projects in its key research areas.

The project is a collaboration with the Statistical BioPhysics group of prof. dr. Ton Coolen, Faculty of Science (DCN) of the Radboud University, Nijmegen. This group focuses on the development and application of novel mathematical methods for solving complex modelling, inference and prediction problems at the interface between the physical and the medical sciences.

Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where scientific breakthroughs are born through the curiosity and passion of our collaborating researchers in a vibrant environment. We believe trust and excitement are crucial elements to achieving our goals, and we approach our research as teams and with the utmost rigor to make a significant impact on health and healthcare. Our researchers are driven by their fascination with the biological, psychological, and sociological mechanisms underlying health and healthcare. They collaborate with partners from all over the world to improve health outcomes for all. Radboudumc unites patient care, research, education, and corporate learning, which allows us to approach our mission to shape the health and healthcare of the future in an innovative and person-centered way.

Our ambition is to lead the way in the pursuit of prevention, sustainability, meaningful care. We believe that through our research, we can significantly improve the health and well-being of society. Join us on our mission to make a difference in healthcare. Become a part of our community of gifted researchers, professionals or patient partners who are dedicated to making a real impact on population health and healthcare.

Read what it is like to do a PhD at the Radboud University Medical Center.

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Then send an email to Marianne Jonker, supervisor of the PhD candidate. Use the Apply button to submit your application.